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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Circling the bowl

While reading Kim Du Toit's site this morning, I came across this story. Sadly, I'm seeing more and more such tragedies in my old home. The newer "chav" culture is a symptom of Britain's decline, and I honestly have no desire to return - not even to present my wife and children to my wider family there whom they've never met. Murders in the UK were a rarity in my youth, and every one made national news. Now death by beat-down seems so commonplace as to scarcely warrant attention. This man was beaten to death in front of his family, and I can't imagine a more traumatic event for a young child. The barbarians aren't at the gates; they're already inside, and an indifferent, incompetent government/law system means there will only be more such victims.When your government will not only not protect its citizens, but actively forbids them from protecting themselves, this is what happens.I count myself lucky to have left when I did.

I have really loved traveling in England, but I've had a couple moments when I felt in genuine peril. Once, thank God a taxi came along at that crucial moment-- I have no doubt that my number was nearly up at that moment. Frightening. ANd so heartbreaking to read stories like this. I don't blame you for wanting to leave.

Oh, and about that statement-- I'm always low-key when I travel in England. I just happened to be with an American who wasn't, and my subtle hints to tone it down fell on deaf ears until we got back to the hotel after that one particular exploit.